When we think about driving under the influence (DUI) charges, we often think of an individual driving drunk. However, some prescription drugs may lead to a DUI charge in Maryland. If you face DUI charges in Maryland because of prescription medication, contact the Law Office of Hillel Traub. Attorney Hillel Traub can explain your situation to state prosecutors and provide robust legal representation.
Prescription Medications That May Lead to a DUI
DUI charges may stem from any drug that impairs the driver’s ability to operate the vehicle safely. Five prescription drugs commonly lead to DUI charges in Maryland. They are Adderall, Xanax, Ambien, Vicodin, and Clarinex.
Adderall
Adderall works to keep someone focused and attentive and is often used to treat ADHD. It stimulates the central nervous system, but that stimulation may begin to fade after six hours. As the stimulation fades, it may lead to users feeling fatigued. Fatigue drivers often display the same symptoms as drunk drivers, such as drifting into lanes and having a delayed reaction time, so a police officer may mistake you as intoxicated. Effects of the drug typically fade after six hours.
Xanax
Xanax and other anti-anxiety medications like Valium and Ativan are part of a drug class called benzodiazepines. These drugs depress the central nervous system, making people feel calm and relaxed. Taking Xanax before driving may leave drivers too calm, and drivers may be too sedated to notice dangers and react appropriately.
Ambien
Ambien is a sleeping pill that induces drowsiness. Similar drugs include Lunesta and Sonata. These drugs work by slowing brain and nervous system activity to treat insomnia and other sleeping problems. Ambien and other sleeping pills can have after-effects on people once they wake up, causing people to feel tired and lethargic. Remember, an Ambien DUI may happen immediately after taking the pill or the following morning. In both cases, the sleeping pill may impair a person’s ability to drive, possibly leading to a DUI charge.
Vicodin
Vicodin and other strong painkillers use hydrocodone to block pain signals and receptors in the brain and spinal cord. Vicodin may lead to a DUI because the painkiller may leave drivers with various symptoms, including dizziness, drowsiness, and lightheadedness. All of those symptoms may impair a person’s ability to drive, causing a police officer to pull them over.
Clarinex
Clarinex and other allergy medications like Allegra and Claritin counteract the chemical histamine that triggers allergy symptoms. However, these drugs may come with side effects, such as drowsiness. People who take allergy medication and then drive may be too tired to pay attention, impairing their ability to operate a vehicle safely.
Contact Attorney Hillel Traub Today!
A DUI conviction may leave long-lasting consequences for your personal and professional life. When you face driving under the influence charges in Maryland, contact Attorney Hillel Traub. As an accomplished DUI defense attorney, Attorney Traub is a passionate and fierce advocate defending all types of Maryland traffic violations. As a former attorney for the Maryland MVA, he brings a unique perspective and understanding to each case he takes on. To schedule a free consultation, call (410) 580-1100 or complete our online contact form.
